A New Generation of Advocates

For Texans with an interest in special ed, I thought you may want to know that one of our law students, Sarah Bellinger, is headed to the Houston office of Advocacy, Inc.

As background, a news articleon the William & Mary School of Law website explains that:

“Before coming to William & Mary Law School, I worked as a social worker, mainly with victims of domestic violence and rape. As clinical coordinator for Alliance Adolescent and Children’s Services in Houston, a child-placement agency for children in foster care and the juvenile justice system, I saw the need for Special Education advocacy, as many of our children had unmet special education needs that crossed over into discipline problems. That experience sparked my passion for Special Education advocacy and inspired me to go to law school. After clerking for Advocacy, Inc., in summer 2008, I knew that this was the direction I wanted to take.”

Sarah graduated from Tulane University, New Orleans, with a bachelor of arts degree magna cum laude in history, and a master’s degree in social work. At William & Mary Law School, she serves as Notes Editor of the William and Mary Journal of Women and the Law, has achieved honors in Legal Skills IV, is Co-Chair of the Public Service Fund, and Vice President of the Therapeutic Jurisprudence Society.

Being married to an MSW, I can attest that Sarah has the potential to develop into a Texas version of Pam Wright. Sarah is a standout in our class. She is one of our top students, so I want to give you a heads up.

The“Wrightslaw Army”

This is the term created by Jeffrey Breit, the Adjunct law professor who is responsible for bringing Pam and me to the Law School to teach special ed law and help set up their new Special Education Law and Advocacy Clinic. Breit’s mission is to create a “Wrightslaw Army” of attorneys trained by Pete and Pam Wright. Sarah will hit the front lines, armed with knowledge and an array of skills.

To learn more about Sarah Bellinger and the Special Education Law and Advocacy Clinic at William & Mary Law School, please go to:

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7 Comments on "A New Generation of Advocates"

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Rebekah

10/02/2014

My son’s high school is now refusing to honor his 504 plan that has been in place for the past 10 years, 2 at this school. When requested I was told that the 504 doesn’t trump California education code. I was also told that if I do not sign the form they sent me they would remove him from school, with in 3 school days. The form explicitly states that it is not to be used for a 504 nor an IEP I have pointed this out to no avail. The School Legal, who sent the form, has refused to return my phone call nor to answer the phone. WHAT DO I DO? IS THERE A LAWYER I CAN AND NEED TO HIRE?

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ernice

05/18/2009

Can anyone tell me how to be able to ask questions for my children in a due process hearing for my grandchildren. I am a paralegal and the Hearing officer said as a paralegal I could only prepare questions for my children to ask. This must be a change with IDEA 2004, because I was able to ask questions in a 2003 due process for my granddaughter. Hearing for week of June 15 -22. HELP please.

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David1

04/22/2009

Children with special needs in our public schools definately need an army to help them get basic educational services. I am excited to see folks like Sarah devote her skills to this area of law.

The sad reality is that our tax dollars fund our kids’ opponents and their allies (Law firms that are paid unlimited amounts of educational money to exclude kids in special education).

Parents Outside of Texas) can be deputized for this battle by asserting rights and laws that already exists today.

I wouldn’t say in all cases, but the allies occassionaly put their ethics aside to make room for all of the money that ommission “Earns” them.

Bring on the reinforecements!

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The "G" Man

04/20/2009

Howdy, Sarah and welcome!

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B

04/20/2009

Cant’ wait to have you join us for a Houston Lunch Bunch.

And, one more plug for TOPAA (http://www.topaa.org – Texas Organization of Parents, Attorneys and Advocates)

Check the website for a membership application.

Things are really happening – how exciting!!

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R

04/20/2009

Welcome, Sarah! You are now in the Tejas Mix….posse up!

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DB

04/20/2009

Welcome to the Republic of Texas.

The interservice transfer from Wrightslaw army to the Texas Posse is accepted ( we do everything in a posse here).